New Trains for Falna: Direct Links to Haridwar and Somnath!
The Ministry of Railways has announced a major connectivity upgrade for Falna station, making it much easier for pilgrims and travelers to reach iconic destinations like Haridwar and Somnath. This move is expected to significantly enhance travel links between Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand.
Following a meeting of the Railway Board on July 30, 2026, the government sanctioned several new services, including four new trains, three extensions, and 12 additional stoppages across the country to improve regional accessibility.
Major Boost for Pilgrimage Connectivity
A central part of these improvements is the introduction of the Haridwar-Veraval AC Express (14326/14325). This service will operate twice a week and features a designated stop at Falna, providing a direct rail link to the Somnath pilgrimage site.
Haridwar-Veraval AC Express (14326/14325) Schedule
- Train 14326 (Haridwar to Veraval): Departs Haridwar at 4:00 AM on Wednesdays and Sundays, arriving in Veraval (Somnath) at 8:15 AM the following day.
- Train 14325 (Veraval to Haridwar): Departs Veraval at 11:05 AM on Thursdays and Mondays, arriving in Haridwar at 6:00 PM the next day.
Furthermore, the Haridwar-Okha AC Express (14328/14327) has been introduced to provide a weekly service to the Saurashtra region and the Dwarka pilgrimage circuit.
Garib Rath Extension and Regional Impact
For travelers seeking affordable air-conditioned travel, the Bandra Terminus-Delhi Sarai Rohilla Garib Rath Express (12216/12215) has been extended to Haridwar. This extension offers an additional budget-friendly AC option for those traveling between these major hubs.
The inclusion of the new stoppage at Falna was a key outcome of the efforts made by P.P. Chaudhary, the Member of Parliament for the Pali Lok Sabha constituency. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also acknowledged these connectivity initiatives, highlighting their importance for regional travel and tourism.
Railway zones are expected to release specific notifications regarding the official commencement dates for these new services and extensions.